SPOKANE, Wash. – Gonzaga Volleyball Head Coach Katie Wilson announced the signing of two national letters of intent on Wednesday, bringing the team's total to six newcomers in 2024. The latest signees are Kate Herrick, a setter out of Olympia High School and Gabby Vandal, an outside hitter from Holy Trinity Academy and Calgary, Alberta.
 
Kate Herrick | Setter | Olympia, Wash. | Olympia HS
Herrick is a four-year letter winner coming off an impressive senior season with Olympia High School. The District Champion Bears compiled a 20-4 record in 2023 after placing third at the WIAA 4A State Championships. Herrick earned her second All-South Puget Sound League honor and a First Team All-Conference nod, after racking up 1,168 assists, 320 digs, 81 service aces, and 53 blocks. Her 1,168 assists marked a new school record for a single-season count. A multi-sport athlete also competing in track, Herrick lettered twice in the spring in three short-distance events as well as the javelin. In the classroom, Herrick has been a National Honor Society member since 2021 and has competed at Washington State's DECA Area Competition, qualifying for, and competing at the International Conference last year.
 
"I chose Gonzaga University because of the drive to be successful both on the court and as well-rounded student-athletes. The supportive coaching staff and team create a strong sense of community within the program and school, a culture I am excited to be a part of as a Zag."
 
Wilson on Herrick: "Kate has proven herself to be one of the top setters in the state of Washington. She had a major injury her junior year, has overcome adversity and returned to lead her high school team to one of their best seasons in recent years. We are thrilled Kate chose Gonzaga."
 
Gabby Vandal | Outside Hitter | Calgary, Alb. | Holy Trinity Academy
Vandal joins Parker Austin as the second Alberta-native on Gonzaga's roster, hailing from Holy Trinity Academy in Calgary. In 2023, the Knights advanced to the 4A Provincial Championships after winning the South Central Zone 4A title. Vandal also competed on the track for Holy Trinity and was named high jump Zone Champion in 2019. In the classroom, Vandal is a four-time recipient of an Honours with Distinction award. She is the second of four to her parents Connie and Bryan, has an older brother, Zachary, and two younger sisters, Olivia and Lucia.
 
"I chose Gonzaga University because it reminds me of home. The campus is beautiful with lots of friendly people. The area is very conducive to outdoor activities which I enjoy. The people I met while visiting made me feel welcome and keep reiterating how caring and dedicated the school facility are. The class and campus size appeal to me due to coming from a small town."
 
Wilson on Vandal: "Gabby has an incredible opportunity for growth as a volleyball player. As an athlete who started playing the game relatively late, we are excited to see her continued development.  Gabby has a burning desire to be great. We are looking forward to having her in the gym in the fall."